Sand Point — Saturday, Apr. 27, 2013

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast

I decided to start early the backpacking season. I was hoping to take my kids to a place they would like so much that they'd want to go backpacking again. So I opted for the easy Sand Point Trail. 3 miles in and mostly on a boardwalk. The trail was in very good shape. It started raining as we got closer to the trailhead, making the boards slick, so watch your step, also a few of them are rotted through. The trail is very beautiful and there are flowers blooming. By the time we reached the beach it was just sprinkling. We set up camp and explored the area. By then the rain had stopped. The kids loved playing in the tidepools and climbing a huge hill that is right on the beach (see pic below. From the top you have amazing views of the cove and can see all the way to the other headlamps. The next day we woke up to a glorious sunny day. We did not want to leave. My kids kept stalling to stay a little longer, so mission accomplished!!!. They loved backpacking so much they want to go again this week. Just as a word of caution, there was a cougar walking by our tents in the middle of the night when we were sleeping. I am a light sleeper, so it woke me up. It just walked around a couple of times and then left. If you just keep quiet it will pretty much leave you alone. Though I had my bear spray next to me (so glad I keep it next to my pillow). I can't stress enough how beautiful this place was. Also we saw a few hikers and backpackers leaving on our way in. Once we arrived at Sand Point, we had the place pretty much to ourselves. There is 5 or so campsites and 1 pit toilet. No water source though. Happy start of the season!!!